Word To The Wise Regarding Termites!

Consult with your Broker or local board on this one, I'm sure it's different where you are.

One thing is for sure, TERMITES ARE FAT, DUMB AND HAPPY IN CALIFORNIA! Here's how it commonly works down here. In the purchase contract the buyer can ask the seller for certain types of strategies in dealing with these pets (and wood destroying organisms). A common way to deal is the seller pays for what I call the big ticket items - the active infestation or wood damage (wood replacement, fumigation, spot treatment among others are necessary) and the buyer pays for the little ticket items (items not addressed as active infestation like stains, termite pellet removal). All is negotiable so again, consult a higher power. In certain cases my buyers often ask the seller to pay for ALL termite issues.

Once the report is out, be familiar with what the damage is and how it's fixed. This will obviously make you smarter down the road. Know the definitions of dry rot, subterranean termites and drywood termites. Heck, just ask your favorite termite inspector for a quick lesson. Know the procedure if any repair or fumigation is necessary. Is the buyer required to acknowledge the work? Know especially if there is any prep work necessary prior to the termite killers arrival. Ask what their time frame for starting and stopping work is. Know ahead of time exactly how they will conclude their work - clean up and issuing of a clearance.

Here's the part we as agents need to pay attention to. Termite control companies kill termites. No kidding, Sherlock (my wife and kids read this, rated G). They also might make a mess in the yards and if the seller didn't prepare the plants next to the house for fumigation so they might either be moved or cut by the termite killers. Also, termite control companies are not painters or fine woodworkers, so if certain pieces of wood are damaged and need replacement ask how the wood will be finished. Some companies are more professional than others and will not only prime the wood but color match the paint - in my opinion this is above and beyond the call of duty. Lastly, How tidy is the company? Do they clean up any debris, tidy up the planter boxes they trampled or do they re-install the fences they had to take down in order to fumigate?

Protect your buyers and sellers - get smart on termite protocol and ask the termite company a ton of questions before they are dispatched.

As always, Rainmakers out there I look forward to your $0.02.

Have a great week!

Marvin de la Vega